Careers in Earth Sciences
Are you considering a career in Earth sciences, but not sure how to accomplish that? We outline everything you need from what to study to the kinds of jobs you can do with an Earth sciences degree.
Earth Sciences are a collection of scientific disciplines like geology, climatology, and environmental science. This means that there are many different career paths for earth sciences majors. You may be able to get a well-paying job as a geoscientist, microbiologist or environmental scientist with just a bachelor’s degree in earth sciences or a related subject.
But what exactly does the earth science study include? What kinds of earth science classes would you take as an earth sciences major? And what kinds of jobs can you do with a degree in earth science?
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What are the earth sciences?
Earth sciences is the scientific study of the Earth, its atmosphere, and the materials and substances that make them up. Key earth science topics include weather patterns, climate shifts, geological events, and more. Earth scientists study several related subjects including geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. Earth sciences is a versatile discipline. This makes it a great college degree if you want a career in conservation, environmental science, green technology, climatology, and much more.
Why is earth science important?
Earth science is important because it offers practical instruction in several scientific subdisciplines, and can lead to a wide range of different jobs. Students who study earth sciences will get a sampling of related subjects. If you want a job in environmental science, conservation, hydrology, geology, climatology and much more, an undergraduate degree in earth sciences can start you on your path.
What is the study of earth science?
The study of earth science includes subjects such as mineralogy, climatology, hydrology, paleontology, agriculture, conservation, and preservation. As an earth sciences major, you will also take required courses on earth science basics like biology and biochemistry. You will also choose some earth science classes based on your concentration. The study of Earth could include topics such as Earth Materials, Atmospheric Thermodynamics, Sedimentation and Tectonics, Radioactivity, and much more.
What do earth scientists study?
Earth scientists study subjects such as alternative energies, environmental conservation, agriculture, food production, and much more. Earth sciences majors have many career path options, including jobs as Geoscientists, Geological and Petroleum Technicians, Atmospheric Scientists and Meteorologists, Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Hydrologists, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, and more.
What are the four main branches of earth science?
The four branches of earth science are geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. Any earth science intro program will include an introduction to each of these four branches. You will likely have a chance to choose a specific branch to focus on as you advance in your studies. The earth sciences branch you choose could help lead to your future job. A student with an interest in geology and earth science, for instance, may be able to pursue a career in the oil industry by earning an earth science degree with a concentration in petroleum.
What kinds of jobs can I get in the earth sciences?
Your Earth sciences major can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, including these top jobs (with median salaries as of 2020):
- Geoscientists: Median Pay $93,580
- Geological and Petroleum Technicians: Median Pay $50,630
- Atmospheric Scientists and Meteorologists: Median Pay $99,740
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists: Median Pay $73,230
- Hydrologists: Median Pay $84,040
- Conservation Scientists and Foresters: Median Pay, 2020—$64,010
- Agricultural and Food Scientists: Median Pay $68,830
And if you’re interested in becoming a leader in the field, consider earning an advanced degree in a fast-growing Earth Sciences subdiscipline like Sustainabilty or Green Technologies.
